After a gap of 16 years, Dr. Wali Tasar Uddin MBE, DBA, D.Litt., has been appointed as the Honorary Consul of Bangladesh in Scotland. The installation ceremony took place on Sunday, 16 November 2025, at the Britannia Spice Restaurant in Edinburgh.
On the occasion of assuming the role of Honorary Consul, a Certificate of Credential, signed by the Honorable Adviser of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Mr. Touhid Hossain, was presented to Dr. Wali Tasar Uddin by Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Abida Islam.
The event began with a traditional Scottish bagpipe performance, during which the High Commissioner Abida Islam was welcomed with flowers. The ceremony was conducted under the coordination of Sumaiya Tabassum San, starting with the national anthem of Bangladesh.
Delivering the keynote speech, High Commissioner Abida Islam highlighted that Dr. Wali Tasar Uddin would play a pivotal role in strengthening bilateral ties between Bangladesh and Scotland across trade, investment, education, culture, and tourism. She emphasized that under the overall supervision of the Bangladesh High Commission in London, Dr. Wali would provide assistance to the Bangladeshi community residing in Scotland, as well as to Bangladeshi citizens visiting Scotland in need of urgent support. The High Commissioner expressed gratitude to Dr. Wali for his outstanding contributions to the welfare of the expatriate Bangladeshi community and hoped that Bangladesh’s image in Scotland would become more dynamic and prominent through his efforts.
In his speech, Dr. Wali Tasar Uddin expressed his gratitude to the relevant authorities of the Government of Bangladesh for entrusting him with the role of Honorary Consul. He also thanked community leaders, business associates, friends, family members, and colleagues who attended the ceremony. He pledged to carry out the responsibilities of the Honorary Consul with full dedication.
With emotion, Dr. Wali Tasar Uddin expressed appreciation to his wife, two sons, and grandchildren, acknowledging their role as the driving force behind his long-standing community service. He also encouraged the younger generation of the Bangladeshi community in Scotland to become more actively involved in mainstream Scottish political and social activities.
The ceremony was attended by distinguished personalities and professionals from Scotland and various cities of the UK. Special guests included Mohammad Zobaid Hossain, Assistant High Commissioner from Manchester; Shahriar Mosharraf, Head of Chancery, Bangladesh High Commission; Councillor Irene Khan from Berwick Town Council; and Councillor Nurul Haque Ali from Aberdeen City Council. Representatives from Inverness, Dunfermline, Glasgow, Newcastle, and London also attended.
At the conclusion of the event, Dr. Wali Tasar Uddin MBE was felicitated with bouquets by the Greater Sylhet Development and Welfare Council, Scotland Region, and leaders of the Scot-Bangla Sporting Club.
Notably, Dr. Wali Tasar Uddin was first appointed as Bangladesh’s Honorary Consul in Scotland in 1993. However, his tenure was suspended in 2009 when a new government came to power.
Born in 1952 in a prominent family from Nalihuri village, Moulvibazar district, Dr. Wali moved to the United Kingdom in 1967. A successful entrepreneur, he has gained widespread recognition in the UK, Europe, and Bangladesh. In Edinburgh, he established award-winning restaurants including Baranda, Lancer, and Britannia Spice.
Dr. Wali is internationally renowned for his philanthropic work. He has received numerous awards for his contributions to business, health, education, and humanitarian services, including the 1999 “Industry Personality of the Year,” the “Asian Jewel Lifetime Achievement Award,” and the 1992 “Young Scot of the Year.” For promoting racial harmony in multicultural communities, he was awarded the MBE by the Queen of the UK in 1995, and in 1984, he became the first Bangladeshi Justice of the Peace. He has also received honorary doctorates from Edinburgh Napier University, Heriot-Watt University, and Queen Margaret University—an extraordinary achievement for a Bangladeshi in Scotland.
As a founder and leader of numerous charitable and voluntary organizations, Dr. Wali has played a leading role in the British Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce, Sylhet Women Medical College & Hospital, Sylhet Dental Medical College & Hospital, Sylhet Heart Foundation, BRAC UK Vision Bangladesh, and many others. Currently, he serves as President of the European Bangladesh Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (EBFCCI).
Author of the autobiographical book “Wali Uddin: Blessed Son of Two Nations,” Dr. Wali Tasar Uddin is expected to continue his dedicated service in strengthening Scotland-Bangladesh relations with strong leadership and humanitarian values through his role as Honorary Consul.
